Realtor group led in 2012 Kan. lobbyist spending

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The Kansas Association of Realtors was the top spender among groups or companies lobbying state officials last year.

A report released this month by the state Governmental Ethics Commission shows that the real estate group reported spending $152,000 on lobbying last year.

That's more than twice as much as the $72,000 spent by the No. 2 group, Uncork Kansas. It seeks to allow groceries and convenience stores to sell full-strength beer, wine and liquor.

The real estate agents successfully lobbied last year to preserve two popular state income tax deductions for homeowners as Kansas overhauled its income tax code. Republican Gov. Sam Brownback is targeting the two deductions again this year.

The association spent $89,000 on advertising and $51,000 on communications with members to get them to pressure lawmakers.